Pine Processionary
FamilyThaumetopoeidae
Scientific NameThaumetopoea pityocampa
RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa
HabitatPine forests
About the Pine Processionary
Their caterpillars form long nose-to-tail processions when moving to feeding or pupation sites — sometimes hundreds in a line. They build conspicuous white silk nests in pine trees. Their hairs contain a potent allergen that causes severe skin inflammation in humans and can kill dogs. They are expanding their range northward due to climate change. The most significant pest of pine forests in southern Europe.